Crossing guard killed in Pulaski County remembered by principal

SOMERSET, Ky. (WTVQ)- Students at Southwestern High School were minutes away from dismissal Wednesday when tragedy hit their campus.

State troopers say 69-year-old Doyle W. Patterson was working as a crossing guard on an access road near the school when he was hit and killed by a truck driven by a 62-year-old man. Troopers say alcohol and drugs were not factors in the crash and they don’t expect charges for the driver.

Thursday, Southwestern Principal Danita Ellis says grief counselors are available for students and faculty.

“Our love and prayers and support are with the family at this point, ” says Ellis who worked with Ellis for years. She says he started as a custodian in 1993. Ellis goes on to describe Patterson as a “great person” saying he was loving, generous and kind.

“He always had good things to say,” she continues. “A very positive individual.”

Thursday, the school’s ROTC students lowered flags outside the building to half staff in honor of Patterson.